Evaluation of Public and Private Interventions for Rural Youth Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Territories: Evidence from the Avanzar Rural Program in Peru

Oliva-Cruz M.; Haro N.; Vigo C.N.; Cruz A.; Juarez-Contreras L.; Diaz-Julon D.; Noli Hinostrosa A.C.; Chávez F.Z.; Castro Flores M.D.C.; Vargas Nuñez E.; Guevara-Goñas R.E. · Sustainability (Switzerland) (2026) · DOI: 10.3390/su18094573

Resumen

This study evaluated the outcomes associated with the Avanzar Rural Project among young entrepreneurs from five regions of Peru. The research was conducted in 13 provinces across Amazonas, Áncash, Cajamarca, Lima, and San Martín, involving 146 participants from 60 producer organizations. Data were collected between September and October 2025 through a validated survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA). The study follows an ex post design without a baseline or control group; therefore, the results reflect participants’ reported changes and statistical associations rather than causal effects. The findings indicate widespread reported improvements in productive performance, including income, asset acquisition, and production efficiency, alongside strengthened adaptive capacities and technical skills. Regression results show that access to productive assets and training in production technologies are key factors associated with income growth and increased sales. In contrast, climate adaptation capacities and sustainable management training are linked to improved resilience. In addition, limited access to digital training and infrastructure constrains market engagement. The MCA reveals significant territorial differences in economic performance, institutional development, environmental management, and market integration. In conclusion, the results suggest the importance of integrated and territorially differentiated support strategies that combine productive investment, capacity building, and market-oriented interventions to strengthen youth-led agricultural systems.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas; Universidad Nacional de Moquegua